U18 REPORT: Orient 0-0 AFC Wimbledon

22 September 2015

David Ironmonger

Young O's pick up a point against the Dons

Leyton Orient U18’s and AFC Wimbledon were forced to take a share of the spoils in a goalless draw on Saturday.

The O’s made a number of changes to the line-up that lost 3-0 to Luton Town the previous weekend with Aron Pollock replacing Dan Happe in the middle of defence, while Josh Koroma and Tristan Abrahams were brought in to add pace and attacking prowess on the wings. Christian Owusu was moved up front as Victor Adeboyejo missed out through injury.

Chances early on were few and far between, with neither goalkeeper being severely tested.

The first real opportunity of the game fell to Michael Obafemi after he had been released by a great ball from Pollock, but the Dons goalkeeper came out to snuff out the opportunity, while a Myles Judd header was cleared at the near post.

At the start of the second half Judd continued to bomb forward from right back and despite delivering several crosses, no-one was able to get on the end of it.

A worrying moment came soon later as Josh Koroma clashed heads with an opposing player and was replaced by Rian McLean, while Charley Barker replaced Michael Obafemi soon after.

Tristan Abrahams then made way to Rian McLean, and Charley Barker replaced Obafemi. As the game entered the final 20 minutes, Orient seemed to come alive with McLean having the best chance as he broke clear of the Wimbledon defence.

The Dons goalkeeper came out to put pressure on McLean, who laid the ball off to Owusu and his shot was blocked by a recovering defence.

Chances then fell for Alderson, Judd and Owusu as Orient pushed and pushed but just couldn’t find a clear cut chance with all of them blocked or wide.

After the game, Academy Director Andy Edwards said: “The draw may have been a fair result all things considered. We defended well, but only really had half chances. We need to focus on keeping possession better, and need a little bit more reliability in the final third of the pitch, but if we get the quality we will start scoring again.”